Late Goals Lift Brazil, Paraguay
Brazil and Paraguay each scored in the waning moments of their opening Group C matches to win games, 1-0, at the Copa America on Thursday at Arequipa, Peru.
Luis Fabiano headed in an injury-time corner from Alex for Brazil to overcome Chile.
In Paraguay’s victory over Costa Rica, substitute striker Julio dos Santos converted an 86th-minute penalty kick.
Chile had a golden chance to go ahead in the first half when striker Sebastian Gonzalez scored from the penalty spot in the 24th minute, but his goal was disallowed by Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez because he ruled that Chilean players had entered the box before the kick. Gonzalez sent his second attempt high over the crossbar.
Edu’s sliding tackle against Rodrigo Valenzuela prompted the penalty call.
Gonzalez almost scored for Chile in the 16th minute when he entered the penalty box unchallenged, but his left-footer was saved by Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar. Chile striker Milovan Mirosevic also had a clear chance inside the box in the 58th minute, but his left-footer was deflected wide.
Earlier, Paraguay forward Dos Santos converted a penalty kick after teammate Fredy Bareiro was taken down inside the box by Costa Rica defender Mauricio Wright.
Costa Rica’s best chances came in the first half when striker Ronald Gomez’s one-timer from near the penalty spot was saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Diego Barreto in the 22nd minute, and four minutes later defender Leonardo Gonzalez sent a left-footer into Barreto’s hands.
Today’s games will be played in Lima with defending champion and Group A leader Colombia taking on Bolivia, and Peru playing Venezuela.
Wenger to Stay Put
Arsenal Coach Arsene Wenger has turned down an offer to take over Germany, the Kicker magazine reported.
“I have a contract with Arsenal until 2005. I will honor it,” Wenger said.
The German-speaking French coach said he met with German legend Franz Beckenbauer in a Lisbon hotel last Saturday, but that it was not an “official talk.”
Quick Passes
Bayer Leverkusen has signed Brazilian World Cup defender Roque Junior to a three-year contract on a free transfer, team officials said. He last played for Siena in Serie A, on loan from AC Milan.... Real Sociedad has agreed on contract terms with Glasgow Rangers midfielder Mikel Arteta on a four-year deal, the Spanish league club said on its website.... Australian striker Mark Viduka completed his move from Leeds to Middlesbrough, signing a three-year deal.... Greek national team goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis has signed a three-year contract to play for Olympiakos Piraeus, officials from the first-division club said.... Former England captain Paul Ince signed a one-year contract with Wolverhampton Wolves of division one.... Ghana will stage the 2008 African Nations Cup after beating Libya in a vote of the African confederation’s executive committee.
